A cry for help
Talaga calls suicides a “cry for help.” This is an indication that things need to be done differently, and that the suicides metaphorically represent a failing of the current system, and the need for change.
Our hands are tied
Talaga states: “When we are then ignored, our hands are tied, and our children continue to needlessly die.” The metaphor here is “our hands are tied”, which represents the lack of control indigenous communities have over their own funding in North America. As a result of this dependency on the federal government, issues are not dealt with properly, and the suicide rates in this community remain high.
Identity metaphor
Talaga argues that colonialism has metaphorically robbed the identity of indigenous people. As they have been disconnected from their history, land, language and culture, they struggle with identity issues. Ultimately Talaga argues that this is the reason for the high suicide rates in indigenous communities.
Sled dog metaphor
Talaga shares a story about indigenous Inuit people living in Canada, who were forcibly removed from their homes. They were relocated to the city, and many of their sled dogs were killed in the process. The killing of the Inuit sled dogs represents the metaphorical killing of their old way of life and culture.
